“I hope that all of the valleys leaders — whether they personally like the project or not — will cooperate in a civil manner, as Mrs. Benoit suggests”. More words by Scott Wilson. “Although my father wasn’t around to see this visionary project, I know he would have supported it as much as his successor, John Benoit, did.”

Scott appears to suggest that we, the potential voters, just don’t understand what a great opportunity we have before us. After all, it’s already been “researched” by our so-called “leaders” since the rest of us are “myopic and short-sighted” therefore rendering us unqualified to understand what is best for us.

Scott’s comparison of the Link to the rebuilding of the Jefferson interchange is not even worth commenting on.

Gene Goodban, Palm Desert

Unflattering self portrait painted

Regarding a recent Letter to the Editor from a man who laments about all the “hateful” labels given to him by Democrats.

Well let’s see. “Deplorable” because he voted for Trump, who is in his fifth month of his train wreck presidency rife with on‑going and deepening scandals, attacks on the free press, dismantling healthcare for millions of people, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, blatant nepotism and nasty tweets denigrating all who challenge him.

“Free loader” because he doesn’t want to contribute to the “scam” of higher taxes on gasoline to repair our roads.

Let me add “lacking in empathy and understanding” for people who are not criminals, struggling to make a better life for themselves and their family, be they here legally or not.

And finally “denier” because he doesn’t believe in man-made global warming.

Remarkable, considering the almost universal acceptance of this phenomenon, and as we face this week with temperatures hovering in the 120+ degree zone.

He may embrace or reject these labels as he wishes. But by his own words, in his own hand, he has painted a distinctly ill-informed and unflattering self‑portrait.

Ronnie Marshall, Palm Desert

Early Christmas wish from Santa

It bugs the crap out of me that in 4 special elections, even with Trump being all he can be, that the Democrats can't win. Why is that? Didn't Hillary get more popular votes than Donald? The way he tells it, I don't believe my mother anymore, and she's dead already. I started to wonder about this problem the Dems seem to have. Here's what I came up with.

After Debbie Wasserman Schultz effectively scuttled Bernie's chances in the last general election, the Clinton machine was in its full glory, or lack thereof. He was the new vision, and she the old ways. That's a real problem when you consider all the new young voters who might have made a difference. They effectively dropped out. That's one reason but not all folks.

After the election, the Sanders people tried to be the new leaders of the Democratic National Committee. After all, Hillary was defeated and done, wasn't she? Not quite yet it proved. Her organization won the battle for the DNC and you are starting to see the result.

The old ways aren't cutting it anymore. Even reverting to Obama tactics and ideals, which they shunned in spite of being a true winner, would be better than what's happening now.

But the Clinton folks don't see it that way. They are now the ones with their heads in the sand, what they used to charge the opposition with.

Unless things change, get ready for eight years of President Pants on Fire. That is unless he has cooked his own goose as the Russian oven around him is getting pretty warm!

But then, I love cooked goose right around Christmas time. Merry Christmas in advance everyone. I already know what I want from Santa!